Ismail I., 11

Ismail is an active boy who likes playing football with his friends and going to school. He dreams of becoming a Doctor. Ibrahim was apparently well until he presented with a 5-day history of high-grade fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and chest pain. His parents report worsening o symptoms despite initial treatment. On presentation at our hospital, he was evaluated and diagnosed with Bronchopneumonia with pleural effusion and a Full blood count suggestive of elevated White blood count.

Ismail was admitted in our facility and managed as a case of bronchopneumonia complicated by pleural effusion. He had complete dosages of parenteral antibiotics and other medications as prescribed. He also had chest tube inserted to drain the effusion. He responded well to the instituted management as presenting symptoms subsided. He was later discharged home with oral medications following the improvement of his condition

With appropriate antibiotics and prompt treatment, pneumonia is curable and pleural effusion is treatable effectively by surgically draining the fluid by a procedure known as thoracentesis. When treated timely and appropriately, patient respond well and returns to normal activities but when left unattended to, patient can go into respiratory distress with subsequent respiratory failure.